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Special Events
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March 5-June 6: Lifeguard Training
You can get paid to spend the summer at the pool! Get certified to work as a lifeguard. Taught by certified American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructors. Class offers certification in Lifeguarding, First Aid, CPR and AED for the Professional Rescuer. Days and time varies, call or check ParkBoard.org/Aquatics for details. The Park Board hires certified lifeguards as young as 15 years old! Scholarships may be available to Greene County residents 18 and under who qualify for free/reduced meals. Apply at ParkBoard.org/Scholarships.
AGE15 yrs. and upDATEMarch 5-7, March 15-17, March 19-20, March 26-28, April 9-11, April 16-18, April 30-May 2, May 7-9, June 4-6TIMEVaries, call for details.LOCATIONDoling Aquatic CenterFEE$160/Member, $170/Non-member
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Sat., April 24: Park Partners Plant Sale
Parks partner groups offer plants and other items for sale at Springfield Botanical Gardens. This is a smaller event than usual, due to COVID prevention. All ages, free admission.
AGEAll agesDATESat., April 24TIME8 a.m.-2 p.m.LOCATIONSpringfield Botanical GardensFEEFree admission, prices vary per plant
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Sat, April 24: Earth Fair & Movie Night
Free screening of a family movie with an environmental message. Come early for tree activities and takeaways. Movie begins at dusk at the Peace Through People Pavilion at Springfield Botanical Gardens.
AGEAll agesDATESat., April 24TIME7 p.m.LOCATIONSpringfield Botanical GardensFEEFree
Fun for All Ages
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April 15-Oct. 15: Boat Rentals at Lake Springfield
Rent a boat and explore the James River Water Trail at your own pace. Choose from an assortment of boats, including solo and tandem kayaks, Old Town canoes, and stand-up paddleboards available a first-come, first-serve basis. Life preservers are provided and required. Must be 18 yrs. to rent boats. All boats must be returned the launch area by 5 p.m.
AGE3 yrs. and up (Ages 3-5 allowed in only canoes, with a guardian. Ages 6-13 must be with a guardian. Ages 14-17 may command their own boat accompanied by an adult.)DATEApril 15-Oct. 15TIMEMon.- Sat., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun., 11 a.m.-4 p.m.LOCATIONLake SpringfieldFEE$10/hour solo kayaks and stand-up paddleboards $12/hour tandem kayaks
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April 18-May 2: Tails to Trails 5K/10K
Celebrate your pets and run in our 3rd 2021 Virtual Race event. This event benefits the Springfield Greene County Park Board scholarship fund, which provides financial support for kids who want to participate in Park Board activities throughout the year. Submit your results online from April 18 - May 2. To submit results, please visit our Virtual Race Series page, find your event, and click on the results button. Once there, just enter your registration ID number located on your confirmation email, type in your time and submit a photo or screenshot of your run. Once you have submitted your results and they have been approved, you will be able to compare your results with other virtual runners who have participated.
AGEAll agesDATEApril 18-May 2FEE$25 (includes race shirt) or $30 (includes race shirt and custom race medal)
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Sat., April 24: Park Partners Plant Sale
Parks partner groups offer plants and other items for sale at Springfield Botanical Gardens. This is a smaller event than usual, due to COVID prevention. All ages, free admission.
AGEAll agesDATESat., April 24TIME8 a.m.-2 p.m.LOCATIONSpringfield Botanical GardensFEEFree admission, prices vary per plant
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Sat, April 24: Earth Fair & Movie Night
Free screening of a family movie with an environmental message. Come early for tree activities and takeaways. Movie begins at dusk at the Peace Through People Pavilion at Springfield Botanical Gardens.
AGEAll agesDATESat., April 24TIME7 p.m.LOCATIONSpringfield Botanical GardensFEEFree
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Tuesday, April 13: Stress Recess Planting Positivity
Burrell Behavioral Health has partnered with Springfield-Greene County Park Board, the Missouri Show-Me Hope Crisis Counseling Program and Stay Positive Arkansas to host "Stress Recess," a series of virtual events hosted on Zoom. Stress Recess allows our community to connect with one another and take a break from the everyday stress we may be feeling. We will come together once a month to participate in light-hearted, fun activities while also providing educational resources about self-care and how to take care of ourselves during the pandemic. Planting Positivity will be an hour of interactive games, raffle prizes, wellness tips, and connection to local resources. You will not want to miss out on the fun and engagement!
ZOOM LINK INFORMATION:
https://burrellcenter.zoom.us/j/3288218036
Meeting ID: 328 821 8036
Audio Only: 1-312-626-6799
AGEAll agesDATETues., April 13TIME6 p.m.LOCATIONOnline via ZoomFEEFree
Gardening
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Sat., April 24: Park Partners Plant Sale
Parks partner groups offer plants and other items for sale at Springfield Botanical Gardens. This is a smaller event than usual, due to COVID prevention. All ages, free admission.
AGEAll agesDATESat., April 24TIME8 a.m.-2 p.m.LOCATIONSpringfield Botanical GardensFEEFree admission, prices vary per plant
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Sat, April 24: Earth Fair, Arbor Day & Movie Night
Free screening of a family movie with an environmental message. Come early for tree activities and takeaways. Movie begins at dusk at the Peace Through People Pavilion at Springfield Botanical Gardens.
AGEAll agesDATESat., April 24TIME7 p.m.LOCATIONSpringfield Botanical GardensFEEFree
Get Outside
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April 15-Oct. 15: Boat Rentals at Lake Springfield
Rent a boat and explore the James River Water Trail at your own pace. Choose from an assortment of boats, including solo and tandem kayaks, Old Town canoes, and stand-up paddleboards available a first-come, first-serve basis. Life preservers are provided and required. Must be 18 yrs. to rent boats. All boats must be returned the launch area by 5 p.m.
AGE3 yrs. and up (Ages 3-5 allowed in only canoes, with a guardian. Ages 6-13 must be with a guardian. Ages 14-17 may command their own boat accompanied by an adult.)DATEApril 15-Oct. 15TIMEMon.- Sat., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun., 11 a.m.-4 p.m.LOCATIONLake SpringfieldFEE$10/hour solo kayaks and stand-up paddleboards $12/hour tandem kayaks
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April 24-25: Ozark Trail Backpacking Trip
Hike a section of the scenic Ozark Trail! We’ll backpack along the beautiful Eleven Point River, hike 11 miles over two days, and camp right next to the river. This trip is rated strenuous in difficulty, so physical fitness is a must. Camping gear available for rent. Gear lists and meal planning help available. Register by April 23.
AGE15 yrs. and up (15-17 yrs. with an adult)DATEApril 24-25TIMESat., 8 a.m.-Sun., 7 p.m.LOCATIONEleven Point RiverFEE$60/Person
Kids’ Programs & Activities
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Fri., April 23: Art-C Paint - April
Attention artists! ART-C at Home is here to help you create your very own canvas masterpiece with no experience required. Register for this step-by-step virtual painting class which includes an art kit with everything you need: canvas, paint, brushes, and an apron! A video tutorial by a certified art teacher will be available for download immediately upon packet pick-up, April 27 or 29. View flyer.
AGE5 yrs. and upRESERVEby Fri., April 23PICKUPTues., April 27 at Oak Grove Community Center; Thurs., April 29 at SPARC OfficeFEE$30/Kit
Kids' Sports
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Now-April 28: Generation Pound
A youth-oriented program that fuses movement and music to improve focus, coordination, physical fitness and teamwork skills. Kids use special drumsticks and are encouraged to explore movement and embrace their creativity. Registration required. No class March 15 and 17.
AGE6-14 yrs.DATEJan. 11-April 28TIMEMon., Wed., 6-7 p.m.LOCATIONDoling Family CenterFEEFree/Member, Daily Fee/Non-member
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April 1-22: Youth HorseSHOE I & II and Home School HorseSHOE I & II
Sheriff’s Horsemanship Outreach and Education (HorseSHOE) teaches safety around horses and basic grooming, saddling and riding techniques. Six students per class. Horses and helmets provided. Face covering and social distance required in barn area.
AGE7-16 yrs.DATESHOE II Session 2: Thurs., April 1, 8, 15, 22TIMEAfternoon sessions: 3:15-4:15 p.m. and 4:30-5:30 p.m.; Morning session: 10-11 a.m.LOCATIONValley Water Mill Equestrian CenterFEE$80/Session
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Tues., April 6-27: Spring Bike Camp
Springfield Skate Park Bike Camp is intended for beginner and intermediate bikers. Instructors will teach the basics of biking in a fun camp setting. Riders will develop and enhance biking skills while creating new friendships and building confidence. Instruction focuses on bike control, safety, park etiquette and fundamentals. Space is limited, register in person at Springfield Skate Park by Fri., April 2. Download registration form. View flyer.
AGE6-14 yrs.DATETues., April 6-27TIME6-8 p.m.LOCATIONSpringfield Skate ParkFEE$55
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April 6-29: Tae Kwon Do at Doling
Build self-confidence, learn self-defense, achieve new skills and make new friends. Beginning and Advanced.
AGE6 yrs. and upDATEApril 6-29TIMETues. and Thurs., 6-7 p.m.LOCATIONDoling Family CenterFEE$30/Member, $40/Non-member
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Sat., April 24: 13th Annual Youth Softball Spring Classic Tournament
Tournament with a three-game guarantee. Divisions are Coach Pitch and Girls’ Fast Pitch. Classifications are 10U in Coach Pitch; 10U Modified Pitch and 12U, 14U in Fast Pitch. All tournament spots filled on a first-come basis. Register by April 16. Modified COVID rules may be in place.
AGE10U-14UDATESat., April 24TIMEVaries, call for detailsLOCATIONMeador Softball ComplexFEE$110/Team Coach Pitch + Gate Fee; $130/Team 10U Modified Pitch and 12U Fast Pitch + Gate Fee; $160/Team 14U Fast Pitch + Gate Fee
Zoo Programs
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March 21, 28: Keeper for a Day
NEW! A limited opportunity to shadow the education animal staff in a personal setting (only two students each day.) Participate in every day care duties of our education animal ambassadors, including: feeding, cleaning and making special enrichment items.
AGEGrades 2-6DATEGrades 2-3: April 18, Grades 4-6: April 25TIME12:30-4:30 p.m.LOCATIONDickerson Park ZooFEE$60/Members, $75/Non-members
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April 20, 23, 24, 28: Zoo Tots: Tails that Swish
Designed to excite and inspire a love of learning in young kids. Includes crafts, animals and lots of fun facts to learn!
AGE2-5 yrs. (pre-K) with an adultDATEApril 20, 23, 24, 28TIME10-11 a.m.LOCATIONDickerson Park ZooFEE$10/FOZ Member, $15/Non-member
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Sat., April 24: World Penguin Day Parade
Encourage a love of learning in young students by exploring amazing facts about the way animals see the world and move around in it. Each class includes: zoo tours (weather permitting), crafts, animal visits, snacks, and more.
AGEKindergarten and 1st gradeDATESat., April 24TIME1-4 p.m.LOCATIONDickerson Park ZooFEE$20/Member, $30/Non-members
Adult Sports & Programs
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Daily: Water Aerobics at Chesterfield
Available at both Doling and Chesterfield Family Centers. A great way to get in shape with minimal impact on your muscles and joints. This program is tentative based on current COVID-19 regulations. Chesterfield Family Center 891-1616
TIMEMon.-Sat., 8:30 & 9:30 a.m.; Mon., Wed., Fri., 5:30 p.m.LOCATIONChesterfield Family CenterFEEFree/Members, Daily fee/Non-members
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Daily: Water Aerobics at Doling
Available at both Doling and Chesterfield Family Centers. A great way to get in shape with minimal impact on your muscles and joints. This program is tentative based on current COVID-19 regulations. Doling Family Center 837-5900
TIMEMon.-Fri. 9 a.m.; Sat., 9:30 a.m.; Tues., Thurs., 5:30 & 6:30 p.m.LOCATIONDoling Family CenterFEEFree/Members, Daily fee/Non-members
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April 6-May 4: Yoga at Chesterfield
Five-week sessions of yoga, accommodating any level of experience.
AGE12 yrs. and upDATEApril 6-May 4TIMETues., 7 p.m.LOCATIONChesterfield Family CenterFEE$35/Member; $45/Non-member
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April 8-May 6: Yoga at Dan Kinney
Includes breathing techniques and gentle, yet powerful yoga poses to help reduce stress and increase flexibility.
AGE14 yrs. and upDATEApril 8-May 6TIMEThurs., 6:10 p.m.LOCATIONDan Kinney Family CenterFEE$35/Member; $45/Non-member
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April 13-May 20: Total Yoga at Doling Family Center
Ideal for improving balance, coordination, peace of mind and overall health.
AGE18 yrs. and upDATEApril 13-May 18TIMETues., 9-10 a.m. or Thurs., 6:15-7:15 p.m.LOCATIONDoling Family CenterFEE$35/Member, $45/Non-member
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April 9-11, 16-18, 30-May 2: Lifeguard Training
Get certified to work as a lifeguard this summer. Taught by certified American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructors. Class offers certification in Lifeguarding, First Aid, CPR and AED for the Professional Rescuer. Day and time varies, call or check ParkBoard.org/Aquatics for details..
AGE15 yrs. and upDATEApril 9-11, April 16-18, April 30-May 2, May 7-9, June 4-6TIMEVaries, call for detailsFEE$160/Member, $170/Non-member
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Now - Drive-Thru Ceramics
Looking for something fun to do in your own home? Look no further than Accessible Recreation's Drive-thru Ceramics! It's minimal interaction but maximum fun for our friends with disabilities and their family and friends! We have ceramic projects that are ready to be your next masterpiece! Call or email to schedule a pick-up time. Call when you arrive, and we will bring it out! Pick-up at the Northview Center (301 E. Talmage).
AGEAll ages with a disabilityDATECall or email to schedule a pickup timeLOCATIONNorthview CenterFEEStarting at $5/project
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April 1-22: Ceramics Class
Join us for a fun way to create ceramic projects for anyone ages 16 and up with a disability! Classes will be held in the Northview Center Ballroom. No transportation will be offered for these programs. Register by March 29.
AGE16 yrs. and up with a disabilityDATEThurs., April 1-22TIME9 a.m.-12 p.m.LOCATIONNorthview Center BallroomFEE$20, additional fee for some items